It seems like a long time ago, but Tottenham Hotspur finally have another Premier League game, this time at home. Newcastle this Sunday. Antonio Conte held his first press conference since the international break ended this morning, it was more positive than I’ve heard in a while.
Notably, he provided an injury update, saying he expects both Oliver Skipp and Ryan Sessegnon to return to full training next week.
“Good news for Oliver, Skippy and Ryan will go, they are almost back with the team. They are improving a lot. They are undergoing important training sessions, not with the team but individually. I hope both players will be back in the team next week.”
We’ve been talking a lot about Skippy lately, not only because he proved to be a vital part of Tottenham’s midfield, but also because of his one-on-one injury – a blow that turned into a bizarre groin injury that lasted longer (and painfully) his recovery. It’s great to hear he’s been training solo and better news that he is expected to be back in training soon. I can imagine it will take some time for Skipp to get back up to speed, but maybe he can sit on the bench in the Premier League next weekend in the Premier League. Aston Villa?
Meanwhile, Ryan Sisson has suffered a hamstring injury, which is a much more obvious injury to deal with. But his return will also give Conte additional options as a left-back, a position that has not been stable at all in recent months. Prior to his injury, Cess was definitely a favorite center of Sergio Reguilon. Either way, the competition is good because it motivates both players to keep working and getting better.
On the other hand, Conte praised his players for their excellence in the performance of international duty, especially Joe Rodon who had a great time with Wales, pushing them to the brink of qualification. this summer Next winter’s World Cup in Qatar, the Steven Bergwijn Cup, which served as a goal machine for the Netherlands. Conte was so excited about Rodon as he had barely smelled the pitch for Spurs since Antonio joined on board.
“When our players go to the national teams, the staff and I try to watch every game. We should be happy with this session for the national team. To see the performances of Joe and Steven Bergwijn also means we can do a good job with them.
“Joe doesn’t play a lot of games with us, but he’s been fit nonetheless. Joe is a good player, but he’s a really great guy. He broke two ribs. He’s done every training session. He’s always been there and I know the pain you feel when you break a rib. Big guy.” Joe should continue down this path, work hard and get that satisfaction.
“I repeat playing this way with Wales in an important World Cup qualifier, it means that you are working hard and well. I always say this: I have a group of players who are working well, they are very focused and working to improve.” †
At Bergwijn, Conte was more rational, praising his game with the Dutch, but also providing some constructive criticism.
“We are talking about a player with a lot of quality and potential. He is different from the players in the team, 1v1 when the space is very short and it is good to beat the man and create chances.”
“I think Stephen has a lot of room for improvement and he needs to keep going. He has to keep working hard. He is a player who can change the situation. He can create opportunities for himself and others.”
“I think he should believe in himself more. He should continue to work with and without the ball and help the team at every moment. Football is a team game and you have to be ready to help the team at any time. Certainly, we are talking about another player who is making big improvements.”
Tottenham have nine games left in the Premier League season, including the North London derby, which is played at Tottenham Hotspur. They are currently fifth, three points behind Arsenal, although Arsenal still have one match at their fingertips. Nothing is certain, but Tottenham are back in the first four talks knowing that every game counts until the end of the season. Conte recognized Spurs’ plight, but he also managed to impress with the challenge it would take to qualify for the Champions League.
“If you ask me [before] Regarding the possibility of getting a place in the Champions League, I find it very difficult. Now I think we have to try to fight to the end to achieve this goal.
“I think playing in the Champions League next season is important to me, important to the players and the fans. Playing in CL is very different than in the Europa League and the Conference League. It is another goal for the club because you can plan important things.”
Tottenham’s game against Newell and newly promoted Newcastle kicks off on Sunday at 11:30AM ET / 4:30PM KST. The game will be broadcast on USA Network in the US and Sky Sports in the UK.
Devoted music ninja. Zombie practitioner. Pop culture aficionado. Webaholic. Communicator. Internet nerd. Certified alcohol maven. Tv buff.